Michigan waterfowl hunters fund temporary fix for DNR managed waterfowl areas

Pointe Mouillee coastal marsh

Aug. 17, 2026

Contact: Shannon Lott, 517-243-3166

Officials express gratitude for advocates’ support for Michigan’s conservation heritage

Waterfowl hunting advocates raised $80,000 in recent days to fund operations at four Michigan Department of Natural Resources managed waterfowl areas this fall.

The DNR announced July 30 that budget constraints would mean fewer daily draw opportunities for hunters during the 2026 waterfowl seasons. However, the private fundraising efforts have provided a temporary, one-time solution, allowing the following premier state game and wildlife areas to restore operations to two draws per day, seven days per week for this fall only:

  • Fish Point in Tuscola County
  • Nayanquing Point in Bay County
  • Shiawassee River in Saginaw County
  • Harsens Island Unit at St. Clair Flats in St. Clair County

Read more

Black River sturgeon hatchery offers free tours Sept. 5

Contact: Neal Godby (DNR), 231-340-2621; Jay Woiderski (SFT), 231-420-1237 or Doug Larson (MSU)

Following the tours, hatchery-reared sturgeon fingerlings will be released into the Black River and Mullett Lake 

Youth touring the Black River sturgeon hatchery.Lake sturgeon are one of Michigan’s most unique and interesting fish, and you have the chance to see them up close and in person this Labor Day weekend. To learn more about what goes into rearing sturgeon, you’re invited to take a free tour at the Black River hatchery Saturday, Sept. 5. Tours will run 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the facility, located northwest of Onaway.

“Visitors will see 3- to 4-month-old lake sturgeon currently in the hatchery and learn about their early life history, as well as how we can all play a role to keep this species healthy in our waters,” said Tim Cwalinski, Northern Lake Huron Unit supervisor with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Researchers from the DNR and Michigan State University will be available to talk about lake sturgeon biology, life stages and current research. Sturgeon for Tomorrow representatives will discuss restoration work to improve sturgeon spawning habitat, sturgeon conservation and outreach programming.

About the hatchery

The hatchery is located in Cheboygan County on the Upper Black River adjacent to the Kleber Dam. From M-68, 2 miles west of Onaway, take Black River Road (F-05) north to Twin School Road, then west a little over 3 miles to the hatchery, which is on the north side of the road, just before the dam.

The free hatchery tour day is made possible by the DNR, MSU, Tower-Kleber Limited Partnership and Sturgeon for Tomorrow.

The streamside rearing facility is an important part of lake sturgeon rehabilitation efforts in the Cheboygan River watershed. The facility conducts research to increase our understanding of lake sturgeon, thanks to DNR, federal, Great Lakes Fishery Trust and Sturgeon for Tomorrow funds. Research results provide valuable guidance for lake sturgeon recovery efforts, while improving the effectiveness of lake sturgeon culture — such as best practices for feeding and stocking efforts and disease treatment.

Lake sturgeon being released into the Black River.

Fingerlings release following tours

After hatchery tours conclude Sept. 5, the sturgeon fingerlings — young fish about the size of a finger — reared at the hatchery are scheduled to be released into the Black River and Mullett Lake.

For more information on lake sturgeon and to get involved in rehabilitation efforts, visit SturgeonforTomorrow.org or Michigan.gov/Sturgeon.

Senate Effort to Return Wolf Management to States Blocked

On Monday afternoon, the U.S. Senate came close to recognizing the conservation success of gray wolves. After decades of recovery efforts, wolf populations have exceeded recovery goals and now thrive across the lower 48 states, Canada, and Alaska. Yet federal protections remain in place after years of litigation overturning science-based delisting decisions.

SCI thanks Senator Ron Johnson for his leadership in advancing science-based wildlife management and submitting a bill that would have reinstated the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s rule removing gray wolves from the Endangered Species Act lists for unanimous consent. SCI is disappointed that an objection by Senator Cory Booker blocked this effort to restore state management authority for recovered wolf populations. Wildlife professionals, ranchers, hunters, and rural communities continue to face growing challenges as wolf populations expand, including livestock losses, increased conflicts, and impacts on big game herds in some regions.

SCI urges the Senate to take up S. 1306, legislation that would remove gray wolves from the Endangered Species Act and return management authority to the states.

Remington’s Ammunition Four Rebate Promotions for this Fall’s Big Game Hunting Seasons

Remington Ammunition recently announced four rebate promotions that offer big-game hunters the chance to receive money back on a long list of qualifying hunting ammunition. Shoppers who buy at least two boxes of qualifying Remington hunting ammunition will receive a rebate of 20% of the purchase price now through November 30, 2026.

The “Carry the Hunt. Collect the Reward” rebate is for buying at least two boxes of qualifying Remington handgun hunting ammunition. This includes Core-Lokt Handgun, Hard Cast, and High Terminal Performance (HTP) hunting handgun ammunition.

The “Proven Loads. Returned Value” rebate is for buying at least two boxes of qualifying Remington’s standard hunting centerfire rifle ammunition. This includes Core-Lokt, Core-Lokt Copper, Core-Lokt Tipped, Core-Lokt Tipped Lever Gun, High Performance Rifle, and Managed-Recoil.

The “Backcountry Payback” rebate is for buying at least two boxes of qualifying Remington Premier® hunting centerfire rifle ammunition. This includes Premier Long Range, Premier Scirocco Bonded, Premier CuT Copper Tipped, and Premier AccuTip.

The “Slug It Out Savings” rebate is for buying at least two boxes of qualifying Remington hunting shotgun slug ammunition. This includes Premier AccuTip Sabot Slug, Slugger High Velocity Rifled Slug, Slugger Rifled Slug, and Slugger Managed Recoil Rifled Slug.

For each rebate, the maximum rebate is $60 per person or household. Valid purchases must be made between August 1 and November 30, 2026. The deadline for mail-in or online submissions is December 31, 2026. Customers must be 18 or 21 years or older to participate, depending on the rebate. Exclusions may apply. See terms and conditions for details.

Complete information on this rebate can be found at: Rebates and Promotions | Remington. Read more

Benelli Introduces the All-New M2-G1 Tactical Shotgun Series

Accokeek, MD – Benelli introduces the all-new M2-G1 Tactical, a purpose-built semi-automatic shotgun engineered to meet the demands of today’s defensive professionals, law enforcement officers, and serious tactical shooters. Designed around an innovative new Rear Piston Operated (R.P.O.) gas system, the M2-G1 delivers cleaner operation, enhanced control, and long-term reliability in an uncompromising duty-grade platform.

The Benelli M2-G1 was developed to redefine what shooters expect from a modern tactical shotgun. By combining Benelli’s relentless commitment to engineering excellence with an all-new gas operating system, the M2-G1 offers consistent performance, reduced maintenance, and dependable function under demanding conditions. Every detail of the M2-G1 was developed with tactical functionality in mind.

The platform comes with either a shortened fixed stock or a 5-position collapsible stock and upgraded pistol grip for enhanced control and adaptability across multiple shooting positions. Enlarged operating controls improve manipulation under pressure while the beveled loading port supports faster, smoother reloads. Additional tactical enhancements include an M-LOK compatible forend, ghost-ring sights, QD mounting positions, Parkerized operating components, and an extended 7+1 (5-position stock), a 5+1 or 7+1 (fixed stock) capacity. Read more

EOTECH Collaborates with Unity Tactical for New HHS

EOTECH offers a variety of Hybrid Holographic Sights (HHS) that combine a Holographic Weapon Sight and a fixed magnifier. This combination provides the user with uncompromised speed and precision at either close- or long-range situations. Today, EOTECH is proud to collaborate with UNITY Tactical to provide HHS systems that incorporate their high-performance mounting systems.

The EOTECH HHS UNITY I combine the battle-proven EXPS3-0 and G33 3X magnifier with the UNITY FAST™ FTC OMNI Mount and FAST™ Optic Riser for rapid transitions from CQB to distance engagements. Available in either Black or Tan, these systems feature a 2.26-inch optical centerline height for improved heads-up shooting posture and situational awareness, the FTC OMNI Mount allows the magnifier to stow completely below the optic’s sightline for instant, obstruction-free target acquisition.

The FAST™ FTC OMNI magnifier mount uses a force-to-overcome mechanism, stowing the magnifier below the optical sight plane and within the footprint of the weapon’s receiver when not in use. Its technology is an alternative to flip-to-side style mounts that may create snag hazards or occlusion of sight pictures when stowed. The Omni mount comes standard with a low-profile integrated FAST™ QD Lever while the FAST Optic Riser uses two clamp screws for more permanent attachment.

The EXPS3 model offers side buttons that are useful when using night-vision systems or magnifiers. It is equipped with an adjustable, lockable quick-detach lever for easy attachment and removal.

EOTECH HHS UNITY 1 Specifications Read more

German Precision Optics Announces GPO Setback™ Cantilever Mount

Designed for Compact Tactical Riflescopes

German Precision Optics (GPO USA) proudly announces the GPO Setback™ Cantilever 3″ extension mount designed for compact tactical 30mm riflescopes. This design allows compact riflescopes to be mounted up to either 3″ forward or rearward, depending on what the optical system requires for optimal eye relief.

“This new mount is a must for compact riflescope users,” said Mike Jensen, Owner and CEO of GPO, USA. “Most riflescope mounts push optics forward. Compact tactical scopes often require the opposite. The GPO SetBack™ allows you to bring the optic rearward, allowing shooters to achieve proper eye relief, faster target acquisition, and a more natural head position behind the rifle. The result is improved comfort, a full sight picture, and maximum performance from today’s compact precision optics.”

The GPO SetBack™ 3″ cantilever was designed and engineered specifically for today’s ultra-compact tactical optics. While compact scopes offer significant advantages in weight, balance, and handling, their shorter main tube length often limits mounting flexibility and can place the optic too far forward for proper eye relief. The SetBack solves this problem by moving the scope mounting position up to 3 inches rearward, allowing shooters to achieve a full field of view and a comfortable shooting position without compromising rail engagement or mounting security. The GPO SetBack™ ensures your optic sits exactly where it should, closer or further to your eye and ready for maximum performance. Read more

FPC Sues New York to Take Down Gov. Hochul’s New “Glock Ban”

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed a new federal lawsuit, The Firing Pin v. James, after New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed Senate Bill S9005C that bans so-called “convertible pistols,” semiautomatic handguns with a cruciform trigger bar. The ban applies against nearly every Glock and Glock-style pistol on the market. FPC is seeking a declaration holding the law unconstitutional, an injunction against the enforcement of the ban, and other relief.

The plaintiffs challenging the ban include FPC, two individuals, The Firing Pin, LLC, the National Rifle Association, and the Second Amendment Foundation. The plaintiffs are represented by Peter A. Patterson and William V. Bergstrom of Cooper & Kirk, PLLC, along with Nicolas J. Rotsko of Fluet.

The lawsuit was filed on August 13, 2026.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York.

New York’s new law prevents peaceable people from acquiring some of the most popular handguns in America because those firearms can be illegally modified using devices that are already banned under both federal and New York law. FPC’s lawsuit argues that the State cannot ban commonly possessed handguns merely because someone could illegally convert them into something they are not. The case continues FPC’s nationwide campaign against similar Glock bans, including its challenges in California and Maryland.

“Tyrants in New York have joined California and Maryland in imposing a new assault on our rights by banning some of the most popular handguns in America. FPC is already challenging Glock bans in other states, and now New York will once again have to answer for its authoritarian actions. We and our Grassroots Army will continue to Fight Forward and eliminate every one of these immoral and unconstitutional bans throughout the United States.” — Brandon Combs, FPC President Read more

Federal Ammunition Launches Rebate Programs for Big Game Hunting

GW: If you are looking for a bullet that actually lives up to its claims about weight retention, the Fusion line does just that, based on my independent testing.

Federal Ammunition recently launched six new rebate programs for big-game hunters this fall. Shoppers who buy at least two boxes of qualifying Federal ammunition will receive a rebate equivalent to 20 percent of the purchase price.

“Whether you choose Federal Premium centerfire rifle ammo or a standard Fusion or Power-Shok load for your next whitetail, mule deer or elk hunt, these rebate promotions will save you some bucks this fall,” said Bart Biedinger, Federal’s Senior Manager for Trade Marketing. “Qualifying products apply to those planning to hunt African plains game or shotgun hunts using slugs, too. These rebates are available for a wide variety of great ammo choices.”

The Big Game, Bigger Bucks rebate includes a list of qualifying Federal centerfire handgun hunting ammunition. The Big Game Bounty rebate is for a variety of Federal Premium hunting centerfire rifle ammunition. The Full-On Fusion Deals rebate includes a list of Federal Fusion centerfire rifle ammunition. The Power-Shok Pays rebate is for a variety of Federal Power-Shok centerfire rifle ammunition. The Safari of Savings rebate is for a variety of qualifying Federal Premium Safari centerfire rifle ammunition. And finally, the Slug Savings rebate includes a list of qualifying Federal hunting shotgun slug ammunition.

For all rebates, the maximum rebate amount is $60 per person or household. Valid purchases must be made from August 1 through November 30, 2026. Read more

Bond Arms Announces First LVRB Winner of 2026

Bond Arms congratulates Robert of Pecos, Texas, who became the very first owner of the revolutionary, patented Bond Arms LVRB. To make the occasion even more memorable, Gordon Bond, CEO, personally delivered the rifle and spent the day on the range showing everything the LVRB is capable of.

The event was not just another firearm transfer; it was a truly unforgettable Bond Arms experience. Robert even brought his own Tannerite, making for a day of ringing steel, sending rounds downrange, and blowing up a few targets along the way.

Bond Arms thanks Smokey Briggs and the Pecos Rifle & Pistol Club for providing a safe range environment, and to Eddie and Alex of E&G Guns for handling the firearm transfer. Read more

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